Gandhinagar / Ambaji: Under the strategic guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state administration has adopted the ‘Samiksha Upkram’ initiative to intensify the review of high-priority projects. As a part of this drive, Tourism Secretary Mr. Rajendra Kumar visited Ambaji and held a series of high-level meetings to assess the preparedness for the upcoming Bhadarvi Poonam Fair, scheduled to be held from September 1 to 7, 2025.
The fair, one of Gujarat’s largest annual religious gatherings, is expected to witness a footfall of 35 to 40 lakh devotees, necessitating elaborate arrangements for cleanliness, safety, crowd control, and amenities.
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Focus on Cleanliness, Crowd Safety, and Pilgrim Comfort
During his visit, Tourism Secretary Mr. Rajendra Kumar inspected ongoing projects including the Rinchhadiya Mahadev development and Teliya Eco Trail, and issued critical directives to ensure timely completion and integration with the fair’s operations.
Key priorities discussed during the review meetings included:
- Cleanliness and sanitation management
- Crowd safety and control measures
- Reliable drinking water supply
- Electricity, healthcare, and fire safety
- Public transportation via ST buses
- Rest shelters and temporary accommodation
- Emergency coordination with control rooms
The meetings involved senior officials such as Banaskantha District Collector and President of Ambaji Trust, Mr. Mihir Patel, Member Secretary of Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board, Mr. Ramesh Merja, and Ambaji Temple Administrator Mr. Kaushik Modi, who gave a detailed presentation on the fair’s preparations.
Ambaji Fair to Sparkle with Devotional Ambience and Infrastructure
The Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board, in collaboration with the Banaskantha district administration and Mr. Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust, is gearing up to provide seamless services to devotees. Arrangements include:
- Toilet facilities at 6 key locations
- Mineral water counters (30) and medical counters (10)
- First aid stations, registration desks, and rest domes
- Two large-scale free food shelter domes
- CCTV-equipped parking areas and barricading at 32 key points
- Sanitation and bathing facilities at 15 highway points
- Ambaji town will be transformed with vibrant cultural and decorative elements, including:
- Handicraft stalls and one-day cultural programs
- Illumination of the Ambaji temple premises, Shakti Dwar, corridors
- Lighting at town gates and approach roads
- Thematic lighting of Ambaji main road, D.K. Trivedi Circle, Circuit House Circle
- Decorative lighting of Gabbar Hill Road and trees across the pilgrimage zone
- Samiksha Upkram Proving Effective in Ground-Level Governance
The adoption of Samiksha Upkram by senior officers like Mr. Rajendra Kumar signals a new era of proactive governance and data-driven monitoring of developmental activities in Gujarat. The initiative is ensuring tighter coordination between state departments and district administrations to enhance the pilgrim experience, ensure safety, and drive sustainable religious tourism.
